She nods, and meditates - it comes much faster, now.

"Deskyl is currently reading my mind. If I try to lie, she'll know immediately."

(By doing this, I tie my own trustworthiness--in the dragon's eyes--to your own. The dragons can afford to distrust me--I'm a nobody--but they must at least pretend to trust you to keep you on their side and that'll be enough here.)

She nods confirmation.

"I understand. Please continue."

"Prior to joining the Colonial Military, I was subject to medical procedures that damaged my brain and enabled the imprinting of false memories."

Am I betraying my sisters by saying this? Am I giving the dragons ammunition?

"These procedures were conducted in secret, away from colonial authorities." The dragons could take my words out of context to use as propaganda, but it's not like they have any shortage of propaganda already. Loyal citizens will know well enough not to tune in. I'm not enabling the enemy to do anything they aren't already doing or reach anyone they aren't already reaching. "Deskyl managed to restore my memories, just prior to our departure from the local slave habitat, by using her magic in an unusually taxing way. That exertion may have played a role in the unfortunate events precipitating her exile, and I am deeply sorry for that."

Artha does not interrupt.

Her posture conveys neither anger nor sorrow, just polite interest.

"I want to find whoever tampered with my brain and put a stop to their entire operation. Deskyl has expressed a similar sentiment."

Okay. Time for brass tacks. Let's see if I have what it takes.

"I propose a surgical strike. My insider knowledge, Deskyl's power, and the fastest SLAYER you've got that's still painted in colonial colors."

No reluctance. No fear. Look that thing right in the eye and tell it you mean business.

"We'll need to act fast, though. If the colonies figure out I've been captured, it'll be a lot harder to infiltrate the target's vicinity."

Deskyl nods approvingly.

"What positive outcomes do you anticipate from such an attack?"

Okay. Pretend my StratCom's still here. What would Veda say in this situation?

"In my restored memories, I remember seeing other girls in that secret facility. Most of them younger than me. We should rescue any that are still there..."

Obviously Veda would not 'say' anything but... hmmm... how would she weigh the strategic tradeoffs?

"They've probably sent people like me against you before, and if we don't stop them they'll probably send more after." Okay. That's what the dragons stand to gain. But I don't really care about the dragons do I? Maybe more believable if I also say... "Meanwhile, their covert operations suggest they're not working in concert with the elected government of the colonies. Given their ability to tailor skilled agents with fabricated memories I consider their continued existence as much a threat to the free people of the United Colonies as it is to your subjugated territories. I think both sides of the broader conflict stand to gain from eliminating this target."

"And what risks would your operation entail?"

Is this dragon just fucking with me?

"Likely loss of one SLAYER, obviously. And even more obviously, I am not coming back here if given the choice, so scratch one POW off your pile."

Okay. That's the easy part. Gotta sell this next bit just right...

"But the only important thing you stand to lose is Deskyl. If you'd prefer she doesn't get a chance to see the colonies firsthand, and decide who's right and who's wrong for herself, then that would be a reason to veto the proposed mission."

Artha responds to this challenge without hesitation or any apparent concern.

"I have the opposite preference. I think people should, whenever possible, be given the chance to interact with conflicting positions and choose which arguments to believe."

    "She does expect to want to come back, though, Ma'am, and your plan doesn't appear to allow for that."

"I have every intention of getting you back on a ship to the Draco Territories, if that's still what you want when the mission's done."

I have every intention of getting you back on a ship to the Draco Territories, if that's still what you want when the mission's done. Even though I think I'd miss you.

Aww.

    "It's surprising that you expect that to be possible, Ma'am, but it sounds fine if it is."

"I wouldn't count on it if I didn't have an indestructible, mind-reading, SLAYER-wrecking magic lady with me, but... here we are."

Deskyl chuckles.

    "She'll still need a pilot, Ma'am."

    "She'd like to try a rescue mission, too, to get more of Culamine's people back, or anyone else who wants to come. That's a little less time sensitive, and it gives you another opportunity to get home, if you're willing to wait a little while for her to plan it."

"While my own pilots operate as an entirely defensive force, I suspect at least one of my sisters has a princess who could serve suitably in that role."

(Emotion Read: pleasenotme)

    "Deskyl expects that Culamine's hound Shreya will be willing. For this or the rescue mission, either one."

"I will bring this matter up when I return to the Council Of Dragons."

She carefully arranges her claws, digging them into the cratered surface of the dysofrag to maximize traction.

"I will outline the parameters of both missions to my sisters so that they may deliberate on their relative utility. Is there anything else, that we haven't touched on yet, that any of you think I should convey?"

    "No, Ma'am."

"Dheto. Please remain here until I return."

"Yes, Ma'am."